The Dothan City Commission on Sept. 16 approved a change order and appropriation that increases the contract for the City Hall annex project by $15,693,630 to a total not to exceed $71,540,206.

City staff said earlier renovation estimates for the old Dothan Eagle building were higher and that constructing a new annex better met the city’s operational needs. "We work with RDG, our design consultant, as well as Rascal and Gori throughout the process," a city manager explained, and staff said they will continue to pursue value engineering as design and construction proceed.

Commission discussion focused on cost control and public communication. One commissioner asked for clarification to ensure the budget did not unexpectedly balloon, and staff said they anticipated a need to appropriate $1.8 million to the project from available funds and that value‑engineering efforts would continue as the project advances.

The commission approved the modification by voice vote. Staff said the change order reflects scope adjustments and the addition of an annex and that ongoing project reviews will seek further savings where possible.